Will Underdown was called into action early, making a couple of good saves to keep the Bay in the game. Despite the Bay's best efforts defensively, Lordswood eventually broke the deadlock just before half-time.

HT: Herne Bay 0–1 Lordswood

Herne Bay started the second half unchanged but quickly found themselves two goals behind after some sloppy play.

Lordswood then added a third, although the striker looked to be standing in a clear offside position when the ball was played across to him.

At 0–3 down, the game looked to be slipping away, but the Bay refused to give up. Harley Nickolson, Toby Downs, Juliani Webster-Mbunga and Samuel Odiase were introduced from the bench as Herne Bay looked to turn the game around.

In the 76th minute, Samuel Odiase made an instant impact, pulling one back after a superb cross from Max Woodfine to make it 1–3.

The Bay suddenly found another gear. They picked the ball up, started playing some excellent football and began dominating the closing stages.

Alex Scott was introduced for his first competitive league game for the 23s.

Their pressure was rewarded in the 85th minute when Kaedan Jefferys was found inside the 18-yard box. He made no mistake, smashing his shot across the goalkeeper and into the far corner to make it 2–3.

Herne Bay were now throwing everything forward and refused to accept defeat.

Then, in the 90th minute, 17-year-old Alex Scott completed an incredible comeback. Having already seen an effort narrowly go wide, Scott reacted quickest to a loose ball at the far post and smashed it home to make it 3–3.

What followed summed up the spirit of the Bay. The entire team, including the substitutes and staff, raced to the corner to celebrate with Scott. From looking completely beaten at 0–3 down, Herne Bay had fought their way back to earn a point against a much more experienced Lordswood side.

FT: Herne Bay U23s 3–3 Lordswood U23s

Starting XI

Will Underdown
Harry Maurice
Jude Sutton
Ollie Moore
Charlie Keyte
Dontae Zacharia
Sonnie Hemmings
Sammy Railton
Kaedan Jefferys
Jack Omans
Max Woodfine

Substitutes

Harley Nickolson
Toby Downs
Juliani Webster-Mbunga
Samuel Odiase
Alex Scott

Goals

⚽ Samuel Odiase 76'
⚽ Kaedan Jefferys 85'
⚽ Alex Scott 90'